“This act will only increase our will and unity. The police and military will avenge our martyrs and restore peace and security. We will respond with brute force to combat these terrorists and deviants.. this is an attempt to deter us from fighting terrorism and to destroy our will, but we are steadfast, and I say to all Egyptians, the battle you are fighting is the most honourable.”

The attack comes days before the annual celebrations of prophet Muhammed’s birthday. Several Sufi affiliated mosques around the country are scheduled to hold festivals in celebration of the prophet.